Why the Women are Always Right: Ally and Darren’s Emotional Barn at Copper Creek Wedding
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a “punny” bride and an emotional, mild-mannered groom say “I do” in the heart of Western Wisconsin. Ally and Darren’s wedding at The Barn at Copper Creek in Menomonie wasn’t just a celebration; it was a masterclass in how to balance deep, Christ-centered reverence with the kind of laughter that makes your sides ache.
As a La Crosse wedding photographer who lives for honest, story-driven imagery, documenting a day this full of personality is exactly why I do what I do.
A Morning of Puns and Preparation
The day started with Ally’s infectious energy in the bridal suite. If you know Ally, you know she has a joke ready for every occasion. While the nerves were present, she kept the room light. At one point, her dad, Jim, asked if she wanted to hear one of her two “wedding jokes” early.
- The Joke: “Why do men stand on the left at weddings?”
- The Punchline: “Because the women are always right.”
That lightheartedness is a hallmark of their relationship, but it’s balanced by a profound depth of feeling. While Ally was cracking jokes, Darren was preparing his heart for a ceremony that would move him to tears more than once. The contrast between Ally’s high-energy humor and Darren’s steady, emotional presence is what makes them such a perfect match.
Vows on the Mountain Top (and the Valley)
The ceremony was a beautiful reflection of their journey together—one that involved a lot of miles driven between cities to make their long-distance love work. Darren’s vows were a perfect mix of “serious and not-so-serious” promises that left very few dry eyes in the barn.
He promised to tell her he loved her every day until they were old and gray, but he also promised to “kill all the bees” and—perhaps most importantly—to “be willing to do a good photo wherever you see fit”. For a Wisconsin wedding photographer, that last one is the ultimate vow!
Ally’s response was equally moving, touching on their shared love for games like Cribbage and Five Crowns. She recalled their hike in Colorado where things didn’t go as planned, reminding everyone that their love was forged on the mountain tops and in the valleys. She noted that Darren reflects Jesus’ love in how he lives, a sentiment that echoed through the entire Christ-centered ceremony.
A Service Rooted in the “Love Chapter”
The service, led with grace and humor, focused on 1 Corinthians 13—the “Love Chapter”. The message was clear: love is not just a feeling; it is an unconditional, selfless choice.
The pastor reminded the couple (and the guests) that while humans are imperfect, they can look to the perfect love of Christ as their guide. It was a powerful reminder of their shared faith, a foundation that I see so often in the intimate Wisconsin weddings I have the honor to document.
Speeches, S’mores, and SpongeBob Quotes
The reception at Copper Creek was where the high-energy “fun” of this couple really took center stage. The speeches provided a hilarious and heartwarming look into their lives:
- The Sister’s Perspective: Ally’s sister, Caitlin, recalled a 5-year-old Ally telling their mom, “Whoever marries me is going to be so lucky because I’m not only nice, I’m pretty too”.
- The Father’s Pride: Jim Nelson shared stories of Ally’s bravery—from wanting to sit on the school bus at age three to building a varsity girls’ lacrosse team from scratch. He also teased Darren about his impressive (and intimidating) running record—a 9:07 two-mile!
- The Brotherly Bond: Darren’s brother, Dan, brought the house down with stories of their shared obsession with SpongeBob quotes and Darren’s intense competitive streak during family game nights. He even mentioned Darren’s “math magic tricks”, noting that Ally was the one who encouraged him to show them off—proof that he found the right girl.
One of the funniest highlights was Dan’s “survival” story from a hike in Florida, where he claimed Darren “shot out of there” while everyone else was stuck in boiling mud and mosquitoes. It’s clear that Ally is the only one Darren won’t abandon on a trail!
Why the Barn at Copper Creek Worked
For a couple like Ally and Darren—who value beauty in the imperfections and honest connection—this venue was the ideal choice. It provided the space for a reverent, faith-filled ceremony and a rowdy, game-filled reception.
As the night ended, Darren thanked the guests and his new family, noting that when they first toured the Barn at Copper Creek, they knew it was “the one”. It was a day filled with “skull” toasts, fresh promises, and a lot of laughter.
Planning your own Wisconsin Barn Wedding?
If you loved the blend of faith, humor, and rustic elegance in Ally and Darren’s day, you need to see more of this venue. Check out my full Barn at Copper Creek Venue Spotlight for details on capacity, my favorite photo spots on the property, and tips for planning your own Western Wisconsin celebration.